Charles Sommerfeld

Charles Otto Sommerfeld, 51, of Brenham, passed away April 8, 2011 at his residence. Born in Brenham on Dec. 13, 1959 to Emanuel Edward and Mildred Spiess Sommerfeld, he was baptized January 18, 1960 in Salem Lutheran Church of Salem, and confirmed there June 30, 1974. He was married to Patricia Ann Byrd on June 2, 1993. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2005. Charles was employed as a truck driver in the oilfield industry. He was an assistant wagon boss for the Red Dot Trail Riders, and participated in the Salt Grass Trail Ride for 32 years. Hunting was a favorite pastime, as well as making grape wine. He was a member of the Sharecroppers, the Wild Bunch Cooking Team, and participated in various cook-offs in the area. He treasured time spent with family and friends, and especially enjoyed his dogs, Fuzzy, Minnie and Lucky. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Salem Lutheran Church of Salem. Pastor Charles Parnell will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation with family will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Survivors include sons Snuffy Stokes, Ronnie Stokes and wife Stacy, and Rocky Jones and wife Kim; grandchildren: Riley and Regan Stokes, Travis and Caleb Stokes, and Lilly, Molly and Brent Jones; brother and sister-in-law Roger and Carol Sommerfeld; sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathryn and Daryl Gummelt, and Carolyn and Gilbert Goeke, Jr., as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. His wife, Patricia Sommerfeld, preceded him in death, as did his parents, Emmanuel and Mildred Sommerfeld, and one grandchild. Serving as pallbearers are Adam Seilheimer, Jeffory Goeke, Justin Sommerfeld, Troy Steele, Snuffy Stokes, Ronnie Stokes, Rocky Jones, and Todd Steele. Honorary pallbearers are the Red Dot Trailriders, employees of Babe''s Trucking Co., and the Wild Bunch Cookers. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Smith, Michael Dool, Morgan Dool, and Ken Meier. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church Youth Fund, or to a charity of one''s choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. 979836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.